By Michael Ojok
Despite being the main contributors of road accidents in Uganda, boda boda taxi operators in Gulu district are yet to appreciate road safety training.
In August this year, less than 50 of the over 2,000 cyclists in Gulu city attended a training organized by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety on road safety.
Bruno Nuwagaba, the Officer In charge of the directorate of traffic and road safety Gulu City Central Police Station, said 75% of the accident victims in the month of August were boda boda cyclists, a factor which preceded to the training.
In August alone, Police recorded 27 crashes, which left 2 people dead and 48 injured.
According to experts, main contributing factors to road crashes involving boda boda taxi operator include over-speeding, dangerous overtaking and ignoring traffic rules. Others are riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using mobile phones while operating the motorcycle, inadequate use of protective helmets and carrying excessive weight or bulky cargo that destabilizes the motorcycle.
